Philosophy In Africa: Pure or Applied?

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the question of whether the practice of philosophy in Africa should be carried out as a purely theoretical enterprise or should be done with concern for the practical demand of the African society. The paper examined the argument of the Nigerian philosopher, Peter Bodunrin, that the philosophical vocation even in Africa should remain loyal to its essence as a pure theoretical vocation. The paper argues that this position is a product of a misreading of the history of the development of philosophy. The claim that philosophy in its original conception is a theoretical enterprise is false. There is nothing like a pure theory. Ideas are theoretical not because they are completely detached from practical life. The paper concludes that philosophy in Africa should be devoted to the task of responding to the challenges facing the society, particularly that of freedom and development.


(Humanities Review Journal: 2003 3(1): 11-20)